-
Beggining of the French Revolution
Causes:
Hunger and malnutrition in the most destitute segments of the population.
Effective bankruptcy due to the enormous cost of previous wars, particularly the financial strain caused by French participation in the American Revolutionary War.
Hatred of Queen Marie-Antoinette.
Anger toward the King for firing finance minister Jacques Necker.
Resentment of royal absolutism. -
Storming of the Bastille
On 14 July, the mobs had wanted the large weapons and ammunition stowed inside the Bastille fortress, which was also perceived to be a symbol of royal power. After several hours of combat, the prison fell. Although the fortress had held only seven prisoners, it was seen as a symbol of power for royalty, which made the destruction of it that much more important. -
Women's March on Versailles
The women first marched to the Hôtel de Ville, demanding that city officials address their concerns.The women were responding to the harsh economic situations they faced, especially bread shortages. They demanded for the King and his administration to move to Paris as a sign of good faith in addressing the widespread poverty. 7,000 women joined the march to Versailles, bringing with them cannons and smaller weapons. -
The Massacre of the Champ-de-Mars
For the second anniversary of the Fall of the Bastille, a grand Altar of the Nation had been erected on the The Champ-de-mars. About fifty persons are killed by troops. Incidents such as this massacre alarm many members of the National Assembly. Many continue to fear internal and foreign conspiracies and think the Revolution is in danger of being crushed. -
Invasion of the Tuileries.
On June 20, a large crowd, mostly from the neighborhoods of St. Antoine and St. Marcel, invade the Tuileries. They demand the return of the Jacobin ministers. They force Louis to don a liberty cap (bonnet rouge or bonnet phrygien) and to drink to the health of the people. -
Reign of Terror
The Jacobins unleashed the Reign of Terror. Thousands of innocent people found the death under the guillotine after accusations of counter-revolutionary activities. -
The death of Marie Antoinette
Marie - Antoinette is guillotined. -
Napoleon is Introduced
The siege and fall of Toulon. Napoleon Bonaparte's artillery distinguishes itself. -
More of Napoleon
Napoleon staged a coup which led to his dictatorship and eventually to his proclamation as emperor, which brought the republican phase of the French Revolution to a close. -
Constitution of the Year VIII
A new constitution, known as the Constitution of the Year VIII is proclaimed and submitted for approval in a plebiscite. The following is declared: "Citizens, the Revolution is established upon its founding principles: the Revolution is over."